Distiller Notes
#5 Whisky Advocate Top 20 Whiskies of 2023
A whiskey unlike any other in the Master’s Keep series, Voyage is the culmination of expertise between two masters of their craft – Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell and Appleton Estate Master Blender Dr. Joy Spence. This exquisite Kentucky Straight Bourbon looks beyond the rolling hills of Kentucky to the Caribbean, drawing inspiration from the lush Isle of Jamaica to deliver a one-of-a-kind American whiskey.
Aromas of vanilla, oak, and fruit give way to molasses, rum cake, and allspice. Sweet and creamy with notes of tropical and dried fruit, caramel, and aged oak. A warm and long-lasting finish with chocolate, fruit, and spice.
Professional Ratings
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Whisky Advocate
Master distiller Eddie Russell’s latest iteration in the Master’s Keep collection is a 10 year old bourbon matured in No.-4 char barrels and then finished in Jamaican rum casks selected by Appleton Estate’s master blender Joy Spence. The whole series has been triumphant, but this rum cask-finished gem shows Russell in tremendous form, serving up a joyous, chestnut-brown bourbon that delivers the best from both the whiskey and the rum influence. The promise of baking spice aromas, toffee, red berries, and black tea leads into an irresistible combination of cola flavors, vanilla, brown sugar, chocolate- cherry truffles, and ginger. —Jonny McCormick
Although Bourbon may be produced anywhere in the United States, it is most commonly associated with Bourbon County, Kentucky, where it has been produced since the late 18th century. Made from a mash bill containing at least 51% corn, the Bourbon Whiskey distillate must be aged in new, charred white oak barrels. Bourbon Whiskeys are bottled at eighty proof (40% abv) or higher and cannot contain any added color or flavor. A versatile spirit that can be sipped neat, with water or on the rocks, it also performs nicely added to cocktails like the Old Fashioned.